5 Ways to Explore Newcastle with Your Family this Summer

Come rain or shine, this summer is all about having the freedom to explore our home country. Newcastle-Upon-Tyne’s unique location, close to both the coast and the countryside, means there is no short supply of activities to offer families on the hunt for their next adventure. Whether you’re a family of thrill seekers or looking for a laid-back weekend away, there is something for everyone.

Just a short distance from the Newcastle Quayside, the urban green oasis of Ouseburn Farm is a great way to decompress from the busy city centre.

The urban farm was created as a space for local children to access nature and has continued to provided people of all ages with the chance to take part in farming activities, helping to grow food, some of which is used in the onsite café, and caring for the many animals.

On your visit see if you can spot any of the sheep, goats, pigs and chickens that roam the meadows and fields or book a slot for one of the farm’s many family-friendly activities, including petting and feeding sessions and drawing classes.

If the weather isn’t on your side, head to Mr Mulligan’s Space Golf in Newcastle city centre. Launch off in your spaceship and take a trip to distant planets as you move through this space-themed adventure golf course which will put your family’s putting skills to the test. Mr Mulligan’s has three nine-hole courses for an afternoon of mini golfing fun.

Explore the history of Newcastle with an Old Newcastle Walking Tour from Iles Tours. Your enthusiastic tour guide will lead you through our city centre and immerse you in the rich heritage of the city, sharing unbelievable stories that will transport you back in time surrounded by our unique buildings.

The one-hour tour will give you plenty of time to explore Bigg Market, the Black Gate and St Nicholas Cathedral before the little ones get tired.

Take a stroll through the leafy valley of Jesmond Dene and explore the many bridges and paths you can take through the expansive park. Jesmond Dene is only two miles away from Newcastle city centre but feels a world away with a tranquil river, rolling fields and picture-perfect waterfall.

At the heart of the dene, the large picnic area is the perfect place to relax and have a bite to eat in the sunshine whilst the kids run free in the under 8’s play park. Animal lovers won’t want to leave without visiting the nearby Pet’s Corner for a glance at the eye-catching birds, fluffy rabbits, goats and alpacas.

Outside the centre of the city in easily accessible rural Gateshead, immerse yourself in grounds of Gibside. With 600 acres of countryside to explore, this is the ideal spot to get away from it all and for the kids to let lose.

Commissioned in the 18th century by a coal baron, the grounds are a glimpse into the past and boast the same magnificent views of Derwent Valley today, as they did back then.

The Strawberry Castle play park is a brilliant area for families to bring a picnic, watch the wildlife and play outdoors.